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Introduction
Childhood vaccination is one of the greatest achievements of public health and has saved millions of lives. According to UNICEF, immunization trains the immune system to prevent dangerous diseases; each year, 3.5 to 5 million lives are saved thanks to vaccines.
However, millions of children worldwide are still deprived of this life-saving opportunity. According to UNICEF, more than 14 million infants received no vaccine dose last year and were left vulnerable to severe yet preventable diseases. These alarming figures show why childhood vaccination remains essential.
What is vaccination and how does it work?
Vaccination is the process of injecting weakened or inactivated microbes (or parts of microbes) to protect the body against diseases. Vaccines train a child’s immune system to fight pathogens without causing the disease itself.
In other words:
- A vaccine contains components of viruses or bacteria that stimulate the immune system.
- The immune system produces protective antibodies.
- After vaccination, if the child encounters the real pathogen, the immune system quickly recognizes and destroys it.
Newborns naturally have an immature immune system and are more vulnerable to infections in early life. Although children encounter thousands of microbes daily, some diseases (like measles or whooping cough) are too dangerous for their weak immune system.
Vaccination strengthens natural defenses and helps protect children from severe diseases—making it an investment in their future health.
Why are vaccines essential for children?
1. Prevention of deadly diseases
Vaccines protect children from fatal and disabling diseases.
Examples:
- Smallpox, which killed millions in the 20th century, was eradicated in 1980 thanks to global vaccination.
- Polio cases have dropped by over 99% since 1988, sparing millions from paralysis.
Without vaccination, diseases like measles and whooping cough can be deadly, as emphasized by the CDC.
2. Reducing mortality and saving lives
Over the last five decades, childhood immunization has significantly reduced global child mortality.
An important example:
The measles vaccine alone has saved nearly 94 million lives.
Timely vaccination protects children from diseases that were once major causes of childhood death.
3. Herd immunity (community protection)
Vaccines protect not just the individual but the community. Higher vaccination coverage reduces the likelihood of outbreaks.
For instance:
- When vaccination rates drop, measles is one of the first diseases to re-emerge.
- In 2024, due to declining coverage, Europe and Central Asia saw the highest measles levels in 25 years.
4. Gateway to healthcare services
A child's first vaccine is often a family’s first contact with primary healthcare. This enables:
- Growth monitoring
- Nutrition counseling
- Health education
Thus, vaccination provides access to broader child health services.
Vaccine safety
Parents often worry about vaccine safety. Fortunately, childhood vaccines undergo rigorous testing and are safe and effective.
1. Pre-approval studies
Before approval:
- Vaccines undergo years of laboratory and clinical trials.
- Effectiveness and safety are tested on different groups.
- Only vaccines approved by scientific and regulatory bodies are introduced.
2. Ongoing monitoring
Organizations like the FDA and CDC continuously monitor vaccine safety. Serious adverse events are very rare and promptly investigated.
UNICEF emphasizes:
- Side effects are usually mild and temporary.
- Serious side effects are extremely rare.
3. Common and normal side effects
A child may experience normal, mild reactions such as:
- Low-grade fever
- Fatigue or mild body ache
- Redness or swelling at the injection site
These resolve within a day or two.
4. Rare but important reactions
Severe allergic reactions are extremely rare. The benefits of vaccination far outweigh the risks.
Parents with concerns should consult their pediatrician.
Recommendations from leading international organizations
1. World Health Organization (WHO)
WHO considers vaccination:
- a basic human right
- one of the most effective health investments
Vaccines currently prevent over 30 dangerous diseases, helping people of all ages live longer and healthier lives.
2. CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)
CDC recommends following the recommended vaccination schedule:
- Most infants should receive protection against 14 serious diseases in their first two years.
- Missing doses can expose children to diseases that may cause hospitalization or death.
3. UNICEF and global vaccine access
UNICEF works to ensure no child is deprived of life-saving vaccines.
As the world’s largest vaccine buyer:
- UNICEF supplies over 2 billion vaccine doses annually.
- These protect about half of the world’s under-five children.
Initiatives like Immunization Agenda 2030 (IA2030) aim to ensure universal access to essential vaccines by 2030.
Conclusion
Childhood vaccination is an undeniable necessity for protecting future generations. Evidence shows vaccines effectively control infectious diseases and save lives.
Economically, every $1 invested in vaccination yields dozens of dollars in savings by preventing healthcare costs.
No child should die from a disease we know how to prevent.
Timely vaccination protects both individual children and society.
Key Takeaways
- Childhood vaccination prevents 3.5–5 million deaths annually.
- Over 14 million infants each year receive no vaccine dose.
- Smallpox was eradicated in 1980, polio reduced by 99% since 1988.
- The measles vaccine has saved 94 million lives.
- In 2024, Europe and Central Asia saw the highest measles numbers in 25 years.
- UNICEF distributes over 2 billion doses yearly.
- Side effects are usually mild; serious ones are rare.
- Every $1 spent on vaccination saves dozens in future costs.